
Aston Villa – Brighton & Hove Albion: 1–0
Aston Villa clinched a narrow 1–0 win over Brighton thanks to a late header by Jack Hinshelwood in the 86th minute. Despite not registering a single shot on target throughout the match, the Villans converted a decisive chance when it mattered most. Brighton looked the more dangerous side with five shots on target, but Emiliano Martinez stood firm between the sticks. A flurry of substitutions and corners in the second half couldn’t break the deadlock for the Seagulls. In a tight contest at Villa Park, it was ultimately clinical finishing — or perhaps Brighton’s missed opportunities — that tipped the scales.
Key player: Jack Hinshelwood (Aston Villa): A decisive moment from the midfielder, who rose to the occasion with a crucial header in the 86th minute to break the deadlock. His late goal secured all three points for Aston Villa and proved to be the match-winner in a tightly-contested affair. Hinshelwood’s composure and timing in the box delivered not just a goal, but the game itself.
Aston Villa's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive in a match dominated by Brighton's missed chances.